In a video published on February 21, on the United Nations in Bangladesh official Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, together with the staff of the UN in Bangladesh, representing various foreign and indigenous languages of different states and parts of the country wished the people of Bangladesh a happy International Mother Language Day. On the same day, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Officer-in-charge Dr Susan Vize wrote an op-ed on the importance of International Mother Language Day and its legacy. "On 21 February, we mark International Mother Language Day, a celebration of the world’s linguistic and socio-cultural diversity. We are particularly honoured to mark this day here in Bangladesh as the 21st February is also a worldwide tribute to the people of Bangladesh who have courageously fought for recognition of the Bangla language.” “Embracing and protecting our linguistic diversity must be reinforced by not allowing anyone to use language as a tool to provoke conflicts and any forms of discrimination. “It is important to respect all languages: big and small, widely and less spoken, indigenous and foreign. Read more: Making Bangla UN's official language involves huge money: Shahriar Alam “The diversity of languages is vital in intercultural dialogue to build inclusive societies” “On behalf of the staff of the UN in Bangladesh, representing foreign and indigenous languages of different states and parts of the country from Teknaf to Panchagarh we wish the people of Bangladesh a happy International Mother Language Day. The day the country courageously fought for, and the legacy of which should not be forgotten," Gwyn Lewis and Susan Vize said in the op-ed on International Mother Language Day published on 21 February.  

International School Dhaka (ISD) has recently arranged separate assemblies for primary and secondary schools to observe International Mother Language Day 2022. Students from playgroup to Grade 12, their parents, and school staff attended the event online. Read: Discussion on International Mother Language Day held at Russian House There were performances by enthusiastic students on this occasion, including an instrumental entry in piano playing “Amar Bhai Er Rokte Rangano”.  The assembly came to an end with the concluding speech by Thomas Van der Wielen, the director of ISD)l. ISD is a community of 32 different nationalities, and throughout these assemblies, they have celebrated language diversity in their community.

Russian House in Dhaka hosted a discussion marking the International Mother Language Day jointly with Liberation War Academy Trust. Director of Russian House in Dhaka Maxim Dobrokhotov paid deep respects to all language martyrs and young students from Dhaka University, who made on this day in 1952 their sublime sacrifice for establishing Bangla as a state language of the erstwhile Pakistan.  He also said that in recognition of the Language Movement in Bangladesh, UNESCO declared February 21 International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity in the UN member-states.  READ: Russian House lauds growing presence of online journalism in Bangladesh The declaration was made on November 17, 1999. He reminded that The Language Movement inspired the Bengali nation to fight against injustices and exploitation unto achieving national independence in 1971. Language activist and renowned linguist Dr. ABM Amanullah highlighted that despite the status of the official language, Bengali is not still used as mother tongue properly in Bangladesh and often replaced by English and this is really shameful. Seventy-seven percent of primary schools in Bangladesh do not have language martyr memorials to pay homage to them and so many students construct martyr's minaret on their own initiative, said Asif Mazhar, a linguistic expert and academician, quoting several dailies in Bangladesh.  Freedom fighter Md. Abdur Rauf Bhuiyan recalled that this year is a year of celebration of the 50th anniversary of friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia and recited an emotional self-written poem on 50 years of friendship between the two countries, said a media release on Tuesday.  Liberation War Academy Trust Chairman Dr. Abul Azad also spoke on the occasion.  Prominent freedom fighters of the country, family members of freedom fighters, cultural activists and students of various educational institutions were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that those who fail to appreciate the country’s achievements are the “weeds of the land” and the people have to think what they would do with this section. “The Father of the Nation used to say one thing, the land of the country is so much fertile that there are plenty of crops along with weeds. This is the reality, these weeds will remain, Bengalis have to think what they will do with these weeds,” she said. The prime minister was addressing a discussion organised by Awami League at its central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. She said that all have to remain alert on one issue, whenever Bengalis achieved something or attain dignity or are advancing towards development and prosperity many conspiracies started brewing. Read: Subsidy on gas and electricity should end in phases, PM tells an Ecnec meeting “There are some vested quarters among the Bengalis to whom these achievements are nothing to feel proud. They like to remain under the chains of subordination,” she said. She said that there is one section of people, they never know how to live with the self-dignity, they get satisfaction thorough selling out their dignity. “That class still remains in our society…….even the whole world appreciates Bangladesh some people of our country remains blind and they never see the developments,” she regretted. She said that this section of people feel embarrassed while talking about these achievements. She said she does not understand why this section keeps such a mentality. The PM briefly described the role and contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Language Movement pointing out that a section of intellectuals tried to erase his name from the history of the Language Movement. “It’s a matter of regret that this intellectual section of the country never gave proper credit to these contributions (of Bangabandhu),” she said. She mentioned that the role of Bangabandhu was unearthed from the Intelligence Branch reports of the then Pakistan. “There were attempts to erase the truth, this is highly unfortunate, but I always believe that truth can’t be kept under cover, one day truth shall come out with its own glory, and that becomes reality now,” she said.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington has observed 'Shaheed Dibosh' and 'International Mother Language Day' with due solemnity. The programme started with the placing of a floral wreath by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam at the altar of Shaheed Minar on the Embassy premises at one minute past zero hour. Embassy officials and their family members stood in solemn silence for one minute in front of Shaheed Minar as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Martyrs. A floral wreath was also laid at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Corner. Also read: Grateful nation remembers language martrys amid pledge to fulfill their dreams Earlier, a discussion session on the significance of the day was organised at Bangabandhu Auditorium in the Embassy. The messages issued by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on this occasion were read out. Special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War as well as Bangladesh’s continuous prosperity. The Ambassador, in his speech, paid rich tributes to the Language Martyrs of 1952. He also paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his immense contribution during the Language Movement since 1947 that ultimately led to an independent and sovereign country in 1971. Also read: Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi pays homage to language martyrs Ambassador Islam stressed the need for preservation of all mother languages in the world in order to preserve knowledge, culture and diversity among the humankind. "Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we all should work tirelessly to materialise the dreams of Bangabandhu, and to build a poverty-and-hunger-free, peaceful, progressive 'Sonar Bangla'," he said. Later, the Ambassador, accompanied by all officials, hoisted the National Flag at half-mast in front of the chancery premises in the morning.

The nation on Monday paid homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, marking 'Amar Ekushey' and International Mother Language Day. The great Language Movement, a significant event in the nation’s history, was aimed at establishing the right of the mother tongue as well as protecting self-entity, and culture and heritage. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement at the start of day. On behalf of the president, his Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam placed a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past midnight. On behalf of the prime minister, her Military Secretary Major General Naquib Ahmed Chowdhury  placed a wreath at the Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka at one minute past midnight. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tribute to the language heroes. Sheikh Hasina also released a special commemorative postage stamp, an opening day cover and a data card marking 70 years of Amar Ekushey and Golden Jubilee of observing Amar Ekushey in the independent Bangladesh. Read:Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi pays homage to language martyrs

Eight people were injured as two rival groups of  Bangladesh Chhatro League (BCL) clashed at Chattogram Government Haji Muhammad Mohsin College over placing flowers at Shaheed Minar on Monday, marking International Mother Language Day. Witnesses said that two groups of BCL - followers of general secretary of Nagar Awami League and former city mayor AJM Nasir Uddin and followers of Deputy Minister of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel - got involved in a clash at a stage over who would offer flowers first at the Shaheed Minar at the college premises around 12pm, leaving eight injured. Read: 10 BNP activists remanded over clash with police at Naya Paltan The injured were sent to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, said Ferdous Jahan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Chawkbazar police station.

The Shaheed Dibash and the International Mother Language Day was observed with due respect in Canberra with the wider participation of Bangladesh community and foreigners. People representing government offices, ACT ministers, ambassadors, multilingual community groups and Bangladeshi diaspora assembled at dawn and spontaneously joined the "Probhat Fery" with flowers, festoons and banner singing the song of Ekushey “Amar bhaier rokte rangano ekushe February, ami ki bhulite pari”.   Read: Amar Ekushey, International Mother Language Day observed in Tokyo Australian dignitaries, including the Australian Capital Territory Attorney General and Leader of the ACT Greens Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Health, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Minister for Families and Community Rachel Stephen-Smith, ambassadors, including from India and Russia and other members of the diplomatic corps, First Assistant Secretary of North and South Asia Division of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Gary Cowan, and Bangladesh community members passionately attended the "Probhat Fery" at the cusp of dawn.  "Probhat Fery" was organised for the fourth consecutive year around Manuka Oval that ended at makeshift Shaheed Minar at Telopia Park.  After the walk, the ministers and other dignitaries paid their homage to the language heroes by placing floral wreaths at the altar of the Saheed Minar.

The Shaheed Dibash and the International Mother Language Day was observed with due respect and solemnity at Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on Monday.  The day’s event began by placing the floral wreath at the temporary Shaheed Minar of the mission by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed in memory of the language martyrs.  Later the national flag was hoisted at half-mast by the ambassador along with playing the national anthem at the Embassy premises followed by observance of one minute of silence. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic restructions, the mission organized an online discussion on the significance of the day.  The discussion started with offering special prayer (Munajat) for salvation of the souls of the Language Martyrs and Martyrs of Liberation War.  Prayer was also offered for the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family members, for the wellbeing of the expatriate Bangladesh community and for the peace and prosperity of the country.  Then the messages issued by the president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs on the occasion were read out. Ambassador Shahabuddin paid homage to the valiant Language Martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  Read: Bangladesh exchanges views on Indo-Pacific with Australia  A number of Bangladesh community members as well as Japanese friends took part in a lively discussion.  Ambassador Masato Watanabe, President, Japan-Bangladesh Society, Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi, Former President of JBS, Mr. Masaaki Ohashi, Professor, Sacred Heart University & Vice President of Japan-Bangladesh Society and Professor Kyoko Niwa, Bengali Department, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies spoke on the occasion.  They praised Bangladesh for not only upholding Bangla as well as other languages  Hiromi Kawamura, Deputy Secretary General, Japanese National Commission for UNESCO sent a video message. She said that the idea of International Mother Language Day was initiated by Bangladesh and approved by UNESCO General Conference in 1999.  She said Japanese National Commission for UNESCO conducted its activities based on idea of multicultural co-existence in and outside Japan.  She informed how they are following UNESCO guideline in expanding and deepening the understanding of various languages and cultures in Japan.  Read: Indian envoy visits Asian University for Women The participants also shared their views on this year’s theme of the day “Using technology for the multinational learning: Challenges and Opportunities”. A short documentary outlining the history and significance of the day and cultural aspect of Bangladesh titled “Bangla” was screened.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged their party leaders and activists to get ready to take to the streets. "Time is running out fast. We’ve to organise ourselves in no timey. We must take to the streets together with people fast,” he told a discussion meeting. The BNP leader also said the existence of Bangladesh will be at stake if the current ‘atrocious’ government stays in power for a longer period. “Bangladesh will become a failed state if they remain in power anymore.” Read: BNP expels ex-MP Akhtaruzzaman BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. Fakhrul called upon the people of all walks of life to wage a fierce movement being imbued with the spirit of the Language Movement of 1952 and the 1971 Liberation War to restore their voting rights by ensuring the next polls under a non-party neutral government. He also said there is no alternative to holding the next national election under a non-party government to overcome the country’s political crisis. “We need to be more united to get out of the current crisis. We’ve to forge unity with all the political parties to wage a strong mass movement. Through this mass movement, we’ll be able to defeat them (AL) and establish a people's government,” the BNP leader said. Paying deep homage to the memory of the language martyrs, Fakhrul said the Language Movement was the first foundation of building the Bangalee nation. He also said Bangladesh was liberated in 1971 with the spirit and aspiration of the Language Movement to build an independent, healthy, democratic free society. “But that spirit and aspiration have been destroyed now by Awami League.” Read: ‘Ruling party syndicate’ behind price hike: BNP The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League government is deliberately destroying the distinct entity and identity of Bangladesh. “It has now turned Bangladesh into a truly subservient state.” He said the current government has destroyed the country’s democratic and electoral system by snatching people’s voting and other basic rights. “They’ve turned the entire country into a den of plundering. They’ve destroyed the education system and the health sector and turned the economy into a looting one.” Fakhrul also accused the government of harassing BNP leaders and activists again with ‘false’ and ‘fictitious’ cases.